Hiking the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail in the Cascades

Looking for more great trails near Snoqualmie, Washington?
Take a short hike around the Oxbow Loop, or take in the views from Cedar Butte.

CURRENT INFO

Information and trail reports for the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail are found on the WTA (Washington Trails Association) website and on the AllTrails website. It is also featured in the excellent guidebook Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington by Susan Elderkin.

GOOD TO KNOW

• A recreation pass is required to park at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trailhead. Both the Northwest Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass cover the fee, or you can purchase a day pass online ahead of time for $5. Passes are not sold at the trailhead.
• A vault toilet is available at the trailhead.
• Pack your own water. Potable water is not available at the trailhead.
• Pets on leash are welcome on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail.
• There is a small picnic area at the trailhead.
• Wear boots or shoes with good traction. Trekking poles are recommended but not required. The trail is often muddy, and although there isn’t much elevation gain there are a few switchbacks. There were also a few downed trees across the trail on our hike, but they weren’t difficult to cross.
• The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail is open year round, weather permitting. In winter, check conditions ahead of time for snow-related closures.
• The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River is less of a “destination” hike, and more about enjoying time on the trail. Make your hike as short or long as you like. You can even turn it into an overnight backpacking trip.
• Horses are allowed on the trail from mid-July through October.
• Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail on odd-numbered days from June through October.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no garbage bins at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trailhead, so please pack everything out with you.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mere miles from the urban sprawl of Seattle, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail is a world apart. The trail winds along a wild and beautiful branch of the Snoqualmie River before delving into an enchanted forest that feels like a fairy tale come to life. Glimpses of Stegosaurus Butte and Garfield Mountain provide a dramatic backdrop to this peaceful walk.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

Initially, our kids weren’t exactly thrilled to go out on a hike (a not uncommon sentiment within our family). Luckily, a friend was able to come along, and friends make everything better. The two older boys led the way for most of the hike, while I hung back with our younger son, giving us the chance to slow down and explore the trail together. From frosted ferns to Frog Valley (so named for the amphibian appearance of a cluster of moss-covered boulders), there was much to discover.

Ultimately, everyone enjoyed the hike, and I highly recommend it for families looking for a casual walk in the woods. With no real “destination”, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail is all about the journey. Pull on your boots, prepare for mud, and get out on the trail!

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

First of all, the drive out to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River is gorgeous. Take your time, and enjoy every last curve as you drive the 12 miles from I-90 to the trailhead. Another great short hike along this route is the Oxbow Loop Trail. You’ll pass the trailhead for this pretty little hike en route to the Middle Fork. The Middle Fork Trailhead is also the starting point for several other hikes, including the Pratt River Trail and Stegosaurus Butte. On the opposite side of I-90 are a number of other great trails, including Cedar Butte and Rattlesnake Ledge.

If all this hiking whets your appetite, stop by South Fork in North Bend for some après-hike sustenance. Our whole family loves this laid back restaurant, with its focus on local food and drink. The scrumptious sidewinder fries are not to be missed!

The first day of the year deserves a worthy first day hike. In our case, worthy meant short and not too far from home, but far enough to leave the city entirely behind. When the sun sets before five and you don’t manage to leave the house before one, options are a bit limited. Fortunately, we are lucky to be within about an hour’s drive of numerous year-round hiking opportunities. Hoping to bypass the crowds that flock to some of the more well known options, we chose the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail.

The main parking lot was fairly full when we arrived at mid-afternoon. Luckily, there are two lots, and parking is plentiful. We easily found a spot, and paused to check out the trail map. The trail gets off to a strong start, as we crossed the emerald green waters of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River on the graceful Gateway Bridge. I was a little surprised to find a thin dusting of frost on the bridge. Although the weather was mild for January, it was a reminder to prepare for colder temperatures on winter hikes.

After crossing the bridge, we turned left and continued on the trail, following closely along the water’s edge. A sign at the junction pointed out the Pratt River Trail to the right, but said nothing about the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail. Just remember to turn left, and you can’t go wrong.

Only a few minutes into our hike, we were greeted with a gorgeous view of Garfield Mountain. At least, I think this is Garfield Mountain, or perhaps Garfield seen together with another nearby peak. Regardless, it’s a great spot, and there’s even a short spur trail leading to the river.

Soon, the trail led away from the river and into the woods. We crossed the first of many muddy patches along the route. With good footgear, the mud wasn’t a problem, although I had to tread carefully. I hadn’t thought to bring hiking poles, but can see how handy they would be when crossing the slick mud.

Fortunately, there’s no need to spend all your time looking down. With Garfield Mountain now out of sight, my eyes were drawn to the left, where the nearly sheer walls of Stegosaurus Butte rose steeply to the sky. Stegosaurus Butte! We didn’t have a clear view, so I could only imagine the ridge of jagged rock across the crest of the butte that must have inspired the name.

My younger son, T, and I continued our walk through the forest, discovering frost-lined ferns, deep, soft patches of moss, and giant boulders that looked like a house… no, more like a frog… wait, no — like both! It’s the Frog House! I didn’t include a photo, but maybe you’ll spot it for yourself if you ever travel the Middle Fork Snoqulmie River Trail.

We caught sight of the others as we approached a series of switchbacks. Up until this point, the trail moved continually up and down at a gentle pace, but there was little elevation gain. That was about to change. My older son and his friend ran on ahead, laughing as they disappeared around the bend. Michael and Buddy made up the middle, pausing to glance down at T and I as we climbed the first switchback.

Soon, the path leveled out, and we were treated to a lovely view through the trees of the foggy valley below. Occasionally, the rugged spine of Garfield Mountain made a dramatic appearance. I was really getting into this hike, and it was hard to believe an hour had already passed. Unfortunately, this meant only one thing — it was time to turn around and head back. Darkness would be setting in soon, and I definitely didn’t want to maneuver the rocks and mud after dark.

By now, the rest of our party had again moved well past T and me, but we soon spotted J and his friend sitting on a stump at the edge of the trail. Perfect! Except, where was Michael?

“He went on ahead,” J told me. “He said 20 minutes.”

“Twenty minutes!” I gasped. “It’s getting dark!”

After telling the kids to stay put, I hurried along the trail, hoping to find Michael sooner rather than later. It was a huge to relief to finally see him and Buddy waiting along the path.

“We have to get back!” I called out. “It’s going to be dark soon.”

We hustled down the trail, pausing for a quick snack break with T while the older boys forged on ahead. I was relieved that there was still enough light left to enjoy our return hike without breaking into a run.

The light was disappearing fast as we finally crossed the bridge and returned to the trailhead, where a few remaining cars lingered in the parking lot. Happy after a satisfying hike, we settled into the car and prepared for the drive home. For a first day hike, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail turned out to be just right, and was definitely more than worthy.